IHE  HISTORY  OF  ENGUi  IN  WK 


Jl 


BY 


ROBERT  C.  ADAMS. 

AUTUOIJ  OF    "  0:N  BOAliD   TUK    '  JiOCKET.'  '* 


BOSTON 
D .    LOTH  R  ()  1^    A  N  I)    COMPANY, 

:y2  FuANKLiN  ►Sti{i-;i%t. 


4 


Copyright,  by 
ROBERT  C.   ADAMS. 

1880. 


y/i  ■ 

■/I -ft/ 


PREFACE. 


On  a  voyage  at  sea, 

'Twas  amusement  to  me 

These  historical  couplets  to  write. 

It  is  hoped  that  for  reference 

Some  may  give  them  the  preference 

Over  works  of  more  volume  and  weight. 

With  the  wish  that  this  summary 

May  assist  some  one's  memory, 

In  preserving  its  store  of  facts  brighter, 

And  dispel  any  mystery 

That  obscures  English  history, 

It  is  issued  in  print  by  the  writer. 

R.  C.  A. 


»* 
/ 


THE  HISTORY  OF  ENGLAND  IN  EHYME. 

BBITON  AND  ROMAN  PEEIOD, 

B.  c.  55  TO  A.  D.  449.  — 504  years. 

B.  c.        For  hundreds  of  years  ere  the  Saviour  appeared, 

The  meu  of  Phoenicia  their  trading-boats  steered     ;    , 
To  the  Islands  Bretannic,  to  barter  for  tin 
With  the  Britons,  who,  clothed  in  rough  garments  of  skin, 
Lived  rudely  and  wildly  in  huts  built  of  mud, 
And  practised  the  Druids'  religion  of  blood. 
55.         The  great  Julius  C^sar,  b.  c.  fifty-five, 

•       Having  conquered  the  Gauls,  came  with  Britons  to  strive. 
54.         He  returned  the  next  year  with  more  soldiers  from  Rome, 
But  they  fought  him  so  well,  he  made  peace  and  went  home. 
I  ^0  further  attempt  at  invasion  we  see,  v 

A.  D.  43.     Till  the  Emperor  Claudius,  a.  d.  forty-three, 


6  The   HUtory   of  Emjland   in   llJtyme, 

A.  D.       Reconquered  the  land  ;  but  much  blood  wits  still  shed 
51.  By  the  brave  British  troops  that  Caractaeus  led. 

61.  In  the  reign  of  fierce  Nero,  A.  D.  sixty-one, 
Suetonius  Paulinus  new  forces  brought  on. 
Of  his  outrage  and  crime  you  can  form  no  idea, 

62.  Bringing  bloody  revenge  from  Queen  Boadic^a. 
78.         Next,  Julius  Agkicola,  seventy-eight. 

Established  the  power  of  the  Roman  Estate. 

To  stay  the  incursions  of  tribes  from  the  North, 
79-si.        He  built  lines  of  forts  from  the  Clyde  to  the  Forth ; 
120.        But  IlADEiAisr  later  erected  a  line 

Extending  across  'twixt  the  Sol  way  and  Tyne ; 

Another  still  later,  constructed  of  stone, 
2IO-         Has  since  as  the  wall  of  Severus  been  known. 

The  Romans  at  home  having  need  of  their  men, 
410.         Their  forces  withdrew  in  four  hundred  and  ten. 

SAXON  PJEBIOD. 

449  TO  1066.— 617  years. 

Through  Saxon  alliance  against  Picts  and  Scots, 
_„.     The  Britons  fell  prey  to  the  Saxons'  sharp  plots; '  '    ' 


The   Ilhtory   of  England   in   Mhi/me. 

■s. 

A.  D.        Pqj,  Hengist  and  IIorsa,  in  four  forty-nine, 

Both  routed  the  Scots  and  established  their  line. 

542.         (The  famous  King  AiiTHUU  and  sixty  brave  knights 

Resisted  th'  invaders,  and  won  in  twelve  fights.) 

Seven  kingdoms  were  formed,  Saxon  Heptarchy  called, 

Until  eight  twenty-seven  the  land  they  enthralled, 

827.        When  Egbert  of  Wessex  six  other  states  gained. 

And  thun  as  the  first  Anglo  Saxon  king  reigned. 

Of  the  kings  who  succeeded  him  under  this  name 

858.      \  Next  Ethelwolf,  Etfielbald,  Ethelbeut  came ; 
860.      ) 

1^-      }  Then  Ethelred  followed,  then  iVlfredthe  Great 
901-        And  Edward  the  Elder  took  kingly  estate ; 


925 


^°'  1  Next  Athelstan,  Edmund  and  Edked  are  reckoned, 

946.  J 

1%  I  With  Edwin  and  Edgar  and  Edward  the  Second  ; 

975.  ) 

979.         Then  Ethelred  Second  fell  prey  to  the  Dane, 

»oi3.         Ten  hundred  thirteen,  and  the  crown  came  to  Sweyn. 

1016.         Canute  and  King  Edmund  then  strove  for  his  place, 

1035.  !-  And  Harold  and  Hardfcanute  end  his  race. 

1040.  ) 

1042.        Next  Edward,  the  Saxon  "  Confessor,"  well  known, 
,066.        And  Harold  toe  Second  ascended  the  tlirone. 


8  The  History   of  Eiigl^nd  in   lihyme, 

A  D.  NOB  MAN  PEBIOD. 

1066  TO  1154.  —  88  years.    4  kings. 

In  ten  sixty-six,  out  of  Normandy  came 
io66.        Great  William  the  Conquerou,  pressing  his  claim 

To  the  sceptre  of  England,  for  Edward  Confessor 

Had  made  him  by  promise  his  rightful  successor. 
Oct.  14,  io66.    At  the  Battle  of  Hastings,  King  Harold  was  slain, 

And  by  will  of  the  people  began  William's  reign. 

His  oath  to  do  justly  quite  soon  he  forsook, 
io86.         Wrote  forfeited  lands  in  the  Domesday  Book, 

Had  fires  put  out  at  the  curfew  bell's  sound, 
1079.         And  formed  the  New  Forest  his  own  hunting  ground. 

The  language  of  France  was  the  tongue  of  the  court. 

And  hence  with  such  terms  English  speech  is  now  fraught. 
l^-      j  Rebellions  were  quelled,  oaths  of  fealty  given. 

And  William,  the  First  died  in  ten  eighty-seven. 
Sept.  26, 1087.  By  William,  called  Rufus,  his  red-headed  son, 

Another  tyrannical  reign  was  begun. 
1095.        The  Barons' conspiracy  soon  he  o'erthrew. 

And  out  of  church  properties  revenues  drew. 


The   History  of  Enyland  in  Rhyme, 

^'  ^'       So  AnseliiT  the  Primate  against  him  inveighs, 
And  quarrels  with  clergy  embitter  his  days. 
Famed  Peter  the  Hermit  now  preached  the  Crusade, 
1096.         And  ten  ninety-six  its  beginning  was  made. 

In  the  year  eleven  hundred,  while  hunting  the  deer, 
Aug.  2,  iroo.    The  arrow  of  Tyrrell  closed  William's  career. 

King  Henry  the  First,  William  First's  youngest  son, 
Aug.  5,1100.    Then  seizing  the  treasures,  usurped  the  king's  throne. 
Duke  Robert  of  Normandy  ought  to  liave  reigned, 
1106.         But  being  by  Henry  o'erthrown  and  restrained, 

For  twenty-eight  years  he  was  forced  to  abide 
ti34.        In  the  Castle  of  Cardiff,  where  also  he  died. 
1120.        The  Prince,  with  one  hundred  and  forty  m.on  more, 
Was  drowned  in  the  sea  close  to  Normandy's  shore, 
And  after  the  loss  of  this  favorite  child, 
King  Henry  is  said  never  more  to  have  smiled. 
Dec.  1, 1 135-    A  dinner  of  lampreys,  of  life  did  deprive 

King  Henry  the  First,  in  eleven  thirty-five. 
Matilda,  his  daughter,  by  right  should  have  reigned, 
Dec.  26, 1135.  But  Stephen,  his  nephew,  ascendancy  gained,   ^^ 
And  seized  on  the  crown,  till  eleven  forty-one, 


•10  The   History   of  England  in   RUyme, 

A.  D. 

1141.*       When  tlie  knights  of  Matilda  obtained  her  the  throne. 

She  failing  to  please,  civil  warfare  eusued, 
"1J2;      }  Matilda  retired,  Stephen's  reign  was  renewed, 

But  the  right  of  succession  was  finall}^  won 
1153.         By  th'  intrepid  invasion  of  Henry  her  son. 

PLANTAGENET  LINE. 

1154  TO  1485.  —  331  yeapwS.    14  kings. 

Oct.  25,  1154.  King  Stephen  expired  in  eleven  fifty -four, 
Dec.  19,  1154.  And  Henry  the  Second  asserted  his  power. 
This  king  was  the  first  of  Plantagenet's  name, 
His  power  and  wisdom  have  won  lasting  fame. 
JJ'*;       }  The  Irish  he  conquered,  Scotch  forces  repelled, 
And  over  in  France  many  provinces  held. 
The  catholic  clergy  their  pockets  well  filled, 
Dec  29.1170.    ^ncl  Thomas  d  Becket  was  treacherously  killed. 
''73.        His  sons  were  rebellious,  their  father  defied, 
1186.        In  the  midst  of  his  plotting  the  eldest  one  died, 
But  Richard  continued  his  evil  design, 
July  6,  1189.   Till  death  made  him  king  in  eleven  eighty-nine. 
He's  called  Cceur  de  Lion,  for  bravery  of  heart, 


The  History  of  England  in   Wiyme.  11 

1190.'        In  Eastern  Crusades  he  performed  a  bold  part  \ 
His  hist'ry  is  chiefly  the  fame  of  his  hince, 
A  riu'^'ii      }  ^^^G  captured  in  Austria,  killed  wliile  in  France. 

But  eight  months  in  England,  he  spoke  not  its  tongue  ; 
In  eleven  ninety-nine,  Pichard's  decade  was  run. 
"'>9'      }  'Gainst  his  brother  Kin^^  John  all  the  Barons  combined, 

1203.  )  o 

June  15, 1215.   And  at  Runnymede  famed  Magna  Charta  was  signed. 

'J"^-      }  He  lost  his  French  lands,  the  Pope's  vassal  became, 

1203.         And  Arthur's  foul  death  ever  sullies  his  name. 

By  all  men  considered  base,  cruel  and  mean, 

Oct.  17, 1216.    King  John  cksed  his  days  in  twelve  hundred  sixteen. 

Oct.  28, 12x6.    His  son,  Henry  Tnmo,  only  aged  nine  years, 

A  weak  and  irresolute  king  soon  appears. 

The  prized  Magna  Charta  he  tried  to  upset, 

May  15, 1264.)  Was  at  Lewes  dethroned  ;  House  of  Commons  first  met ; 
1265.      j 

Aug.  4, 1265.     But  the  vict'ry  of  Evesham  his  power  restored. 
And  his  enemy  Leicester  was  slain  by  the  sword. 

Nov.  16, 127:.  Kmg  Henry  the  Third  died  in  twelve  seventy-two  ; 

Aug.  79,  '274.   His  son,  Edwakd  First,  took  the  crown  as  his  due. 

For  the  wisdom  with  which  he  controlled  his  dominion, 
He  justly  is  known  as  the  English  Justinian.      .  _  ^_ 


If  The  nhtory  of  Enrjland  in   Rhyme. 

^283.'        He  conquered  in  Wales,  named  his  son  as  its  prince 

(The  king's  eldest  son  is  so  called  ever  since). 
1290.         Away  from  the  kingdom  he  banished  the  Jews, 
Aug. 23. 1305.    And  put  Wallace  to  death,  acts  that  none  would  excuse. 
July;,  1307.    King  Edward  the  First  died  in  thirteen  and  seven ; 
1307.         To  his  son,  Edwabd  SEC0i5D,the  crown  was  then  given. 
His  fav'rite,  Piers  Gaveston,  caused  discontent, 
June  19, 1312.   But,  seized  by  the  Nobles,  to  th'  axe  he  was  sent. 
Scotch  forces  were  led  by  King  Robert  the  Bruce, 
June  24, 1314.  Who  won  Bannockbum's  fight  and  made  thirteen  years' 

truce. 
^325.        The  fair  Queen,  Isabella,  deserted  to  France, 
1326.         Secured  foreign  troops,  on  the  throne  made  advance ; 

1326.  Both  the  Spensers  in  hate  to  the  gallows  they  bring, 
Sept.  21. 1327.   And  within  Berkeley  Castle  they  murder  the  king. 

1327.  His  son,  Edward  Third,  came  the  sceptre  to  hold. 
Thirteen  twenty-seven,  being  fourteen  years  old. 
This  powerful  king  warred  with  Scotland  and  France  ; 

s^e;?:it'i356:}  At  Crecy  and  Poictiers,  his  son,  the  Black  Prince, 

Gained  victory  and  glory,  but  early  expires, 
June  8, 1376.    His  dcatli  by  one  year  antedating  his  sire's. 


The   Histcr;    of  England  in   Rhyme,  ,     13 

A.  D.       To  wars  Edward  Third  by  ambition  was  driven, 
june2t,  1377-    Xill  liis  death  in  the  year  thirteen  seventy-seven. 
July  i6,  1377.  Next  Richard  the  Second,  the  Black  Prince's  son. 
His  sad,  ignominious  ending  brought  on. 
1381.         Wat  Tyler's  rebellion  he  speedily  quelled, 
1397.        And  his  uncle,  Duke  Gloucester,  was  secretly  killed. 

Then  Henry  of  Lancaster,  John  of  Gaunt's  son, 
1399.         Collected  an  army  and  seized  on  the  crown. 

Richard  Second,  the  eighth  of  Plantagenet  Line, 
Sept.  29,  1399.  w^-j^g  deposed  from  the  throne  in  thirteen  ninety-nine. 

'Tis  supposed  he  was  murdered  before  the  next  March,      * 
March  12, 1400.  For  his  body  was  publicly  shown  in  the  church. 

HOUSE  OF  LANCASTER. 

1399  TO  1461.-— 62  YEARS.    3  kings. 
t4oo.        Henry  Fourth  warred  in  Wales  with  brave  Owen  Glen- 
dower  ; 
The  Earl  of  Northumberland  strove  'gainst  his  power ; 
July  23, 1403.    Harry  Percy,  called  Hotspur,  at  Shrewsbury  was  slain, 

And  the  wild  Prince  of  Wales  caused  the  monarch  much 
pain.  ^^  -  ^  ^-^^^  _ 


14  The   History   of  England  in  RJiyme, 

MO?'       William  Sawtre,  the  Lollard,  was  burned  for  his  creed, 
M05.        And  cannon  were  fired  at  Berwick  on  Tweed. 
March  20, 1413.  King  Henry  the  Fifth,  brave  and  graceful  in  mien. 

Succeeded  his  father  in  fourteen  thirteen. 
Oct!'  l\\  I^Is'. }  Both  Harfleur  and  Agincourt  glory  enhance, 
May  21, 1420.    And  by  treaty  he's  made  heir  and  regent  of  France 
1418.         Through  zeal  for  religion  Lord  Cobliam  he  burned, 
Thus  dimming  the  fame  which  he  otherwise  earned. 
1420.        The  French  Princess  Catherine  he  took  for  his  bride, 
Aug.  31,  1422.  But  just  in  the  zenith  of  splendor  he  died. 
*  He  was  laid  in  the  Abbey,  fourteen  twenty-two, 

M22.        And  to  Henry  the  Sixth  did  the  crown  next  accrue. 
He  then  was  an  infant,  not  yet  a  year  old, 
So  Bedford  and  Gloucester  the  kingdom  controlled. 
145?;       }  The  French  drove  the  English  quite  out  of  their  land, 

'^""sof  S    }  ^^^^  '^^^^^^  ^y  J^^^^  ^f  ^^^'"^  maiden  hand. 

»4so.         Jack  Cade's  dang'rous  riot  the  king  firmly  quelled. 

But  soon  his  own  self  as  a  prisoner  was  held 

By  Richard  of  York,  who  his  title  opposes, 

May  23,  1455.  Commencing  at  Albans  the  Wars  of  the  Roses. 

Then  Margaret  of  Anjou,  King  Henry's  brave  queen, 


The   History  of  England  in   Rhyme,  15 

AD. 

Dec.  23,  1460.  Gained  victory  at  Wakefield,  and  Richard  was  slain. 


HOUSE  OF  YORK, 

1461  TO  1485.  —  24  years.    3  kings. 

Mar.  3, 1461.  Throiigli  Warwick,  the  King-maker,  Richard's  first  son 
Was  crowned  Edwakd  Fourth  in  fourteen  sixtj^-one. 
Cruel  deeds  he  enacted  throughout  his  demesne; 

1464.        He  made  Lady  Grey,  though  a  suhject,  his  queen. 
Earl  Warwick  rebelled,  as  this  union  he  hated, 

1470.        And  Henry  from  prison  was  then  reinstated. 
April  14, 1471.   At  the  battle  of  Barnet,  Earl  Warwick  was  slain, 
And  Edward  the  FDurth  then  continued  his  reign. 
'G-ainst  his  brotfier  Duke  Clarence  some  charges  were  found, 

1478.        'Tis  said,  in  the  Tower  in  wine  he  was  drowned. 
April  9, 1483.    Edward  Fourth  ceased  to  breathe  in  fourteen  eighty-three  ; 
His  son,  Edward  Fifth,  was  the  next  in  degree, 
But  he  and  his  brother  were  killed  in  the  Tower, 

148.3.        And  Richard  of  Gloucester  thus  came  into  power. 

I^ng  Richard  the  Third,  base  in  body  avd  mind, 
Became  most  detested  of  all  human  kind.  v 

He  killed  Rivers,  and  Hastings,  impoverished  Jane  Shore, 


16  The  History  of  England  in  Ehyme. 

A.  D.       And  Buckingham  also  was  bathed  in  his  gore. 
When  only  two  years  of  his  rigor  were  spent, 
Came  Henry,  Earl  Richmond,  of  Tudor  descent, 
Aug.  22, 1485.   ^^  Bosworth  Field's  fight  for  the  kingdom  to  strive, 

And  was  crowned  IIenhy  Seventh,  fourteen  eighty-five. 

So  ended  the  horrible  Wars  of  the  Roses, 

And  the  history  of  York  and  of  Lancaster  closes. 

TUB  TUDOES. 

1485  to  1603.    118  years.    3  kings,  2  queens. 

Henry's  peaceable  reign  was  a  little  disturbed 
;j^?:      }  By  Simnel's  and  Warbeck's  invasions,  soon  curbed. 

He  sullied  the  glory  attached  to  his  name 
M99.        By  bringing  Earl  Warwick  to  th'  scaffold  with  shame. 
Itli     }  Columbus  and  Cabot  explored  at  this  time. 

And  Vasco  de  Gama  in  Cape  of  Hope's  clime. 
April  21.  .509.  Henry  seventh  expired,  fifteen  hundred  and  nine; 
1509.        His  son,  Henry  Eighth,  then  continued  his  line. 

The  first  of  six  wives  was  good  Catharine  of  Arragon, 
:  Who  tRough  twenty  years  of  all  graces  the  paragon. 


The   History    /  England  in   Rhyme.  17 


AD. 

t533- 


He  divorced,  and  secured  for  his  wife  fair  Anne  B61eyn  ; 
But  by  the  fiilse  charge  that  from  virtue  she'd  fallen, 

May  19,1536. )  He  had  her  beheaded,  and  took  for  his  bride 

"  20,    "  ) 

Oct.  24, 1537.    Jane  Seymour,  who  bore  him  a  son  and  then  died. 
Jan.  6.  X540.     Hc  ucxt  uiadc  alliauce  with  ph.in  Anne  of  Cleves, 

But  soon  in  displeasure  this  lady  he  leaves, 
July  28, 1540.    And  yields  to  th'  attractions  of  Katherine  Howard, 
Feb.  t2,x542.    Whom,  for  earlier  sins,  soon  the  scaffold  devoured. 

These  dreadful  enormities  did  not  debar 
July  12,  Z543.   His  union  with  wise  Lady  Katherine  Parr, 

Who,  showing  discretion  and  shrewdness,  contrived 

Divorce  to  escape,  and  the  king  she  survived. 

Wolsey  flourished  in  splendor,  but  died  with  the  sting 
X530.        Of  remorse,  that  he'd  not  served  his  God  as  his  king. 

Queen  Catharine's  divorce  roused  the  wrath  of  the  Pope  ; 

Henry  tried  with  his  spiritual  power  to  cope ; 

So  the  great  Reformation  in  England  began, 

And  rivers  of  blood  from  the  scaffold  then  ran. 
'5^5.        The  staunch  Bishop  Fisher  and  brave  Thomas  More,    3 

Earl  Surrey  and  others  to  death  were  made  o'er. 

Henry  warred  with  the  French,  but  took  only  Boulogne, 


IS47' 
1544. 


18  The   History   of  England  in   Rhyme, 

IMS'*        And  in  Scotland  some  profitless  fighting  was  done. 

From  Henry's  bad  reign  there  are  two  good  things  dated. 
The  Prayer  Book  arranged,  and  the  Bible  translated. 
King  Henry  the  Eighth  then  by  Cranmer  was  shriven, 
Jan.  28, 1547.    And  the  tyrant  expired  fifteen  forty-seven. 

'547.        King  Edward  the  Sixth,  of  Jane  Seymour  the  child, 
Accomplished,  beloved  and  in  manners  most  mild. 
Began  his  brief  reign  when  he  nine  years  had  seen, 
July 6, 1553.  And  died  of  consumption,  when  aged  sixteen. 
Duke  Somerset  held  the  Protector's  estate. 
Till  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  vented  his  hate 

1552.  By  having  him  brought  to  the  axe  from  the  Tower, 
And  causing  himself  to  succeed  to  his  power. 

He  made  the  young  monarch  from  justice  to  stray, 
And  leave  the  succession  to  Lady  Jane  Grey. 

1553.  Next  Bloody  Queen  Mary,  fifteen  fifty-three, 
Ascended  the  throne  by  the  nation's  decree. 
Northumberland's  plot  for  the  Lady  Jane  Grey 

Jilt'     }  She  soon  overthrew,  and  their  lives  took  away. 
July  25, 1554.   Contracting  a  marriage  with  Philip  of  Spain, 
He  shortly,  indifferent,  returned  home  again. 


The   History   of  England   in   Rhyme,  19 


A.  D. 

1555- 


A  fierce  persecution  'giuiist  Protestants  turned ; 
Nearly  three  hundred  people  in  three  years  were  burned  ; 
Rogers,  Hooper  and  Latimer,  Ridley  and  Cranmer, 
Were  among  the  brave  martyrs  that  died  in  this  manner. 
Jan.  7. 155S.    Okl  Calais,  the  last  French  possession,  was  lost, 

Which  Edward  the  Third  a  long  conflict  had  cost. 
Queen  Mary's  life  closed  amidst  loathing  and  hate, 
Nov.  17,  .558.  And  she  died  of  a  fever,  fifteen  fifty-eight. 
1558.        Elizabeth  Tudou,  Anne  Boleyn  s  sole  child 

Was  joyfully  crowned  ;  good  Queen  Bess  she  was  styled. 
She  firmly  established  the  Protestant  cause, 
And  promptly  rescinded  Queen  Mary's  bad  laws. 
July,  .588.     The  Spanish  Armada  was  well  overthrown, 

t599.      I  And  the  Irish  Rebellion  made  under  Tyrone. 

1602.      ) 

A  few  of  her  Nobles  for  treason  were  tried, 

1572.      )  Northumberland,  Norfolk  and  Essex  all  died. 

1601,      J 

Feb.  8,  ,587.    The  beheading  of  Mary,  the  fair  Queen  of  Scots, 
And  the  Act  of  Supremacy  are  her  chief  blots. 
Both  science  and  literature  thrived  while  she  reigned, 
And  these  most  illustrious  persons  are  named, 
Richard  Hooker  and  Spenser,  great  Shakespeare  and  Bacon  ; 


1559- 


■mbhi 


20  The   History  of  England  in   Rhyme. 

>577-        Drake  s  round  the  world  voyage  was  then  undertaken. 
Mar.  24, 1603.   Elizabeth,  last  of  the  Tudor  degree, 

Closed  her  days  in  the  year  sixteen  hundred  and  three. 

« 

STUART  PERIOD. 
1603    TO    1714.  —  111    YEARS.      6    SOVEREIGNS. 

*^3.         James  Sixth,  King  of  Scotland,  successor  then  named, 

* 

As  James  First  of  England,  was  monarch  proclaimed. 

This  king  was  the  son  of  Queen  Mary  the  Scot; 
Nov.  5, 1605.    j^jj,  reign  is  now  famed  for  the  Gunpowder  Plot, 

For  Parliament's  quarrels,  the  Bible's  new  version, 
Oct.  29,  i6j8.    -gj-ayg  Raleigh's  sad  death,  for  th'  Guiana  Excursion, 

And  American  colonies  beginning  to  thrive  ; 
March 27, 1625.  Xing  James  died  of  gout  in  sixteen  twenty-five. 

1625.        His  son,  Charles  the  First,  to  the  kingdom  succeeds, 
And  taxes  the  people  for  naval-war  needs. 
For  eleven  full  years  not  a  Parliament  met, 
«637.        And  the  ship-money  taxes  were  paid  with  regret. 
Nov.  3, 1640.    Sixteen  hundred  and  forty,  Long  Parliament  came, 

With  John  Hampden  and  Kimbolton,  Hollis  and  Pym, 
Enacted  reforms,  gave  the  king  many  checks, 


The   History  of  England  in   Rhjme,  21 


A.  D. 

1641. 


Impeached  Strafford  and  Laud,  brought  their  heads  to  the 
axe  ; 
Jan  4, 1642.    King  Charles  with  a  force  at  the  Commons  appears, 

And  the  Roundheads  soon  war  with  the  king's  Cavaliers. 
Oct  23  1642.)  xi^e  first  battle  was  Edgehill,  then  came  Marston  Moor, 

Julya,  1644.  )  o  ' 

June  14, 1645.   And  the  vict'ry  of  Naseby  concluded  the  war. 

Charles,  sold  by  the  Scotch,  h  s  opponents  confine, 
Jan.  30, 1649.    Till  beheaded,  at  Whitehall,  sixteen  forty-nine. 

,649.        The  Commonwealth  period  briefly  ensued, 
Dec.  16, 1653.   And  Oliver  Cromwell  with  power  was  endued. 
Jan.  1, 1651.     Charles  Second  was  crowned  King  of  Scotland  at  Scone, 
sept.3, 1651.    But,  vanquished  at  Worcester,  deserted  his  throne. 
;^P:      }  Great  wars  undertaken  with  Holland  and  Spain,  * 

Van  Tromp  they  defeat  and  Jamaica's  Isle  gain. 
In  England  great  Cromwell  showed  wisdom  and  vigor, 
But  ruled  both  the  Scotch  and  the  Irish  with  rigor. 
'    He  after  five  years  of  Protector's  estate 
Sept.  3,  1658.   Went  home  to  his  rest  in  sixteen  fifty  eight.    ^ 

1658.         Weak  KiCHARD  his  son,  made  Protector  in  vain,  ; 
Mays,  1660.     Sixteen  hundred  and  sixty  came  Charles  Second's  reign. 
_:       Religious  conformity  he  would  exacfc,v__;  .^ 


22  The   History  of  England  in  Rhyme, 


A.  D. 

1662. 


By  means  of  the  harsh  Uniformity  Act. 


Sept.  15^1666. 1  London  City  was  ravaged  by  plague  and  by  liamea, 

1667.        DeRuyter,  the  Dutchman,  ascended  the  Thames. 

1678.        The  blood  which  was  shed  through  the  Gates'  popish  plot 

Has  made  on  this  reign  an  indelible  blot ; 

But  the  fact  that  King  Charles  was  so  bad  in  his  purpose 

May  2b,  1679.  Secured  the  great  Act  of  the  Habeas  Corpus. 

,    \  The  Whigs'  Rye  House  Plot  'gainst  the  monarch  was  made, 
'^83.      > 

'  For  which  Russell  and  Sidney  their  lives  forfeit  paid. 
He  was  called  ''Merry  Monarch,"  but  never  was  seen 
A  ruler  so  profligate,  shameless  and  mean. 
Feb.  6, 1685.    James  Second,  his  brother,  sixteen  eighty  five. 

Ascended  the  throne  when  King  Charles  ceased  to  live. 
1685.        The  attacks  of  Argyle  and  of  Monmouth  subdued, 

The  prompt  execution  of  leaders  ensued. 
1685.         The  infamous  Jeffreys  conspirators  tries  ; 

Tliree  hundred  were  killed  in  his  bloody  assize. 
1687^.         King  James  made  some  laws  for  the  Catholics'  good. 
But  the  brave  seven  Bishops  his  mandates  withstood. 
Nov.  5,  168S.  Then  William  of  Orange,  with  Maby,  James'  daugliter. 
With  fleet  and  an  army  came  over  the  water ;  


The   History  of  England  in   Rhyme,  23 

^-  ^'       The  people  approving  their  lofty  design, 
Feb.  13,  i68g.    They  Were  crowned  king  and  queen  in  sixteen  eighty-nine. 
i68s.         James,  leaving  the  throne,  *cross  the   Channel  made  lliglit, 
And  the  Crown  changed  possession  without  any  fight. 
King  William  the  Third  found  great  use  for  his  sword, 
With  treachery  at  home  and  fierce  warfare  abroad. 
July  1, 1690.    King  James  was  defeated  on  th'  banks  of  the  Boyne, 

And  fled  to  the  Continent  his  friends  to  rejoin. 
Sept.  20, 1697.   The  Treaty  of  Ryswick  concluded  the  war. 

Which  gave  to  the  English  the  debt  they  deplore. 
This  reign  will  forever  a  dark  stigma  show, 
Feb.  13,  1692.  Pqj.  w^q  base,  cruel  massacre  made  at  Glencoe. 
March  8, 1702.  QuEEN  Anne,  Called  "  The  Good,"   second   daughter  of 

James, 
In  seventeen  two  carried  on  William's  aims. 
With  Germans  and  Dutch  she  secured  Grand  Alliance,     - 
For  the  Spanish  Succession,  set  France  at  defiance, 
Aug.  13, 1704.    Blenheim,  Ramilies,  Oudenarde,  Malplaquet  fought, 

May  23,  1706. 

s^.'iV,\?S.    Which  vict'ries  to  Marlborough  celebrity  brought ; 
But  very  soon  after,  dismissed  from  his  place 
17x1.        Through  intrigues  at  the  Court,  he  fell  into  disgrace. 


24  The   History  of  England  in  Rhyme. 

^•^^-       French  attempts  to  restore  the  Pretender  were  checked, 
Mar  3r,  1713.  And  thc  War  at  last  closed  with  the  peace  of  Utrecht. 
French  lands  in  America  formed  a  rich  gain ; 
July,  1704.     Gibraltar,  Minorca  were  taken  from  Spain. 

This  reign  is  of  letters  th'  Augustan  Age  named, 
Swift,  Addison,  Pope  are  the  writers  most  famed. 
Mayr,  1707.    Tlicu  Scotlaud  and  England  were  firmly  made  one; 
Aus:.  1.  1714.   In  seventeen  fourteen  Queen  Anne's  reign  was  done. 

HO  USE  OF  BB  UNS  WICK, 
1714.      6  SOVEREIGNS. 

'714.        George  First  (House  of  Brunswick)  from  James  First 

descended. 

Took  his  seat  on  the  throne,  when  Queen  Anne's  reign 
had  ended. 
1715.        The  Pretender  in  Scotland  incited  a  war. 

Supported  in  arms  by  the  great  Earl  of  Mar. 
1718         A  conilict,  though  brief,  undertaken  with  Spain 

Interrupted  the  quiet  pervading  this  reign  ;  '^ 

But  all  classes  of  people  endured  severe  trouble, 
iTao.        Through  the  ruinous  scheme  of  the  South  Sea  Bubble.    _, 


Ihe   Ulsiory  of  England  in  Rhyme,  26 

jun^i'i?;727.   Seventeen  twenty-seven  George  First  passed  away, 

And  his  son,  Geoege  the  Second,  took  kingly  array. 
1739.         His  first  undertaking  was  warfare  with  Spain, 

And  the  fleet  made  attacks  on  the  fiir  Spanish  main. 
Maria  Theresa,  her  rightful  possession 
1743.         Received  through  the  war  of  the  Austrian  Succession. 
Next,  France,  for  the  younger  Pretender's  support 
May II,  1745.    The  victorious  battle  of  Foutenoy  fought. 

Charles  Edward,  encouraged,  to  Scotland  recrossed  ; 
April  16.  1746.   On  the  field  of  Culloden  his  fortunes  were  lost ; 
Oct.,  1748.     Then  peace  was  established  at  Aix  la  Chapelle, 
And  now  for  some  years  no  more  trouble  befell, 
1756.        Till  France  seized  Minorca,  and  Admiral  Byng, 
March  4, 1757.  Havlug  failed  in  attack,  was  condemned  by  the  king. 
French  Austrian  schemes  Prussian  lands  to  gain  o'er, 
1756.         Made  England  engage  in  the  Seven  Years'  War. 
X757.         Lord  Clive,  out  in  India,  conquered  Bengal ; 
1759.         Brave  Wolfe,  'cross  the  ocean,  wrought  Canada's  fall. . 
Oct.  25, 1760.    George  Third,  the  king's  grandson,  his  eminent  reign 
In  seventeen  hundred  and  sixty  began. 
^  1762.        A  victorious  fight  was  with  Spain  made  once  more, 


26  The    UUtoru   of  England  in  Rhyme, 

A.  D. 

Feb.  10,1763.    And  the  Treaty  of  Paris  closed  Seven  Years'  War. 

I767.'     (  The  unpopular  Stamp  Act,  and  duties  on  Tea 
July  4,  1776.    Made  American  Colonies  declare  themselves  free; 

Encouraged  or  helped  by  France,  Hollar.d  and  Spain, 
Nov.  30,1782.    Seventeen  eighty-two,  independence  they  gain. 
1789.        The  Frencli  Revolution,  seventeen  eighty-nine, 
1793.        In  four  years,  against  France  made  the  Powers  combine. 
1795.        Then  followed  the  wars  of  Napoleon  the  Great, 
June  18,  X815    Till  the  battle  of  Waterloo  settled  his  fate. 
oa.'2iV!S5.'}  The  Nile  and  Trafalgar  gave  Nelson  great  fame  ; 
1809.12.       The  Peninsular  War  advanced  Wellington's  name. 
179S-9.        Tht5  Irish  rebelled,  seventeen  ninety-eight ; 
Jan.  I,  iSoi.    Eighteen  hundred  and  one,  both  the  Parliaments  unite  ; 
1812.         Eighteen  hundred  and  twelve,  the  American  States 

Made  war  for  the  motto,  "  Free  Trade,  Sailors'  Rights." 
Jan.  29, 1820.     Eighteen  hundred  and  twenty  George  Third  disappears. 
Eighty-two  years  of  age,  having  reigned  sixty  years. 
^1820.        George  the  Fourth  to  his  father  successor  is  seen, 

Causing  shameful  confusion  to  Caroline,  his  queen. 
-  He  helped  to  establish  th'  independence  of  Greece, 

Oct.  20, 1827.    Navarino's  sea-fight  bringing  Turkey  to  peace. 


The  History   of  England  in   Rhyme,  27 

AD 

1829.'        The  Catholic  Relief  Bill  in  this  reign  was  passed  ; 
June  26, 1830.    Eighteen  hundred  and  thirty  George  Fourth  breathed  liis 

last. 
1830.        William  Fourth,  George's  brother,  next  wore  the  King's 

crown. 
x83a.        This  reign  is  distinguished  for  Parliament's  reform, 
1833.         And  freedom,  to  all  then  in  slavery,  given ; 
June  20, 1S37.   William  Fourth  closed  his  life  in  eighteen  thirty-seven. 
June  20, 1837.   ViCTOKiA,  grandchild  of  George  the  Third, 

As  Queen  was  proclaimed  amidst  joyous  accord. 
1839.        Xhe  Chartist  rebellions  were  speedily  stayed, 
IsS      }  And  wars  with  Chinese  and  the  Afghans  were  made ; 

But  peace  with  the  Chinaman  did  not  last  long, 
1842.         And  a  second  attack  gave  tlie  English  Hong  Kong. 
1844-6.        The  Indian  Sikhs  caused  the  next  of  the  wars, 
June  26, 1846.    Then  came  the  repeal  of  the  famous  Corn  Laws. 
1847-  By  famine  the  Irish  were  greatly  distressed, 

184S.         But  O'Brien's  rebellion  was  quickly  suppressed. 
1854.         In  aid  of  the  Tnrks,  in  eighteen  fifty-four, 

England  entered  with  France  on  the  Crimean  War. 
1856.7.         This  finished,  a  quarrel  with  Persia  was  made. 


28  The  History  of  England  in  Rliyyne, 

A.  D. 

1856.*        And  Chinese  once  again  for  aggressions  were  paid. 
1857.        Eighteen  fifty-seven  came  the  fierce  Sepoy  War, 

With  the  histories  of  Delhi  and  Luckno\\ ,  Cawnpore. 
And  now  we  record,  even  stranger  than  fable, 
July 28, 1866.   Laying  'cross  th^  Atlantic  the  submarine  cable.        ,- 
,858.        Then  Napier's  armed  force  Abysinnians  fought ; 
1873.       By  Wolseley  Ashantees  good  manners  were  taught ; 

1878,  The  Turkish  Protectorate  Beaconsfield  pledged;  * 

1879.  With  Zulus  and  Afghans  the  armies  engaged. 
Discovery,  science,  invention  and  trade, 

In  Victoria's  reign  untold  progress  have  made. 


Ihe  History  of  England  in  Mhi/me,  29 


SOVEREIGNS    OF   ENGLAND    SINCE  THE   CON- 
,  QUEST. 

First  came  William  the  Conqueror, 

William  Rufus,  his  son, 
Henry,  Stejjhen,  Matilda, 

Henry,  Richard  and  John. 

After  Henry  the  Third, 

Edwards  three,  Richard  Second, 
Henrys  Fourth,  Fifth  and  Sixth, 

Edwards  Fourth,  Fifth  are  reckoned. 

After  Richard  the  Third, 

Henrys  Seven  and  Eight,  • 

Edward  Sixth  and  Queen  Mary, 
And  Elizabeth  date. 


30  The  History  of  England  in  Rhyme. 

James  the  First  and  Charles  First ; 

Then  with  Cromwell  they  vary  ; 
Charles  the  Second,  James  Second ; 

Then  came  William  and  Mary. 

Good  Queen  Anne  wore  the  crown, 
Georges  one,  two,  three,  four, 

William  Fourth  ;  and  Victoria 
Now  retains  queenly  power. 


